Wales

Serious case review into fire deaths

A serious case review has been commissioned into the deaths of three members of the same family in a house fire in Cwmbran. Carl Mills was convicted of murdering his girlfriend Kayleigh Buckley, their daughter Kimberley and Kayleigh's mother Kim.

Carl Mills, 28, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 30 years on Thursday, after being convicted of murdering his girlfriend Kayleigh Buckley, 17, their six-month-old daughter Kimberley, and Kayleigh's mother Kim, 46.

Torfaen Safeguarding Children Board has now commissioned a serious case reviiew to look at what lessons can be learned.

In a statement, the board said: "The focus of the review is to look at the way in which local agencies have worked and what, if any, changes could be made that would improve the work we undertake to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people in Torfaen.

"Once completed, the findings of the review will be made public through the new regional arrangements delivered by the South East Wales Safeguarding Children Board.”

Carl Mills will spend at least thirty years in prison after being found guilty of the murder of his six-month-old baby daughter, her mother and the baby's grandmother.

The 28-year-old was described as "incredibly controlling and jealous." He set fire to the family's home in Cwmbran on the night his daughter was brought home from hospital last September. Richard Morgan reports.

Carl Mills was responsible for starting a devastating fire that had distressing and tragic consequences. He did so knowing full well who was in the house at the time – and the evidence of his jealous and controlling nature makes it all too clear what his intentions were. Once the fire had taken hold, neighbours and friends of Kim, Kayleigh and Kimberley Buckley did whatever they could to try and assist at the scene.

In contrast, Mills himself displayed a callous, almost casual disregard for the wellbeing of those trapped inside the house. His suspicious behaviour at the scene led Gwent Police to quickly apprehend him and their subsequent thorough investigation meant that we were able to build a very strong prosecution case.

Despite his unwillingness to take responsibility for his actions, today Mills has been made to face up to what he did. But whilst we may welcome today’s verdict, we have to acknowledge that it does not and cannot bring back Kim, Kayleigh or Kimberley. Nor does it take away the hurt and suffering of those close to them. Our thoughts are with them.

Advertisement

The family of Kim, Kayleigh and Kimberley Buckley say they feel justice has been served after Carl Mills was jailed for life for their murders.

Today we feel justice has been served. Carl Mills starts a life sentence for 3 murders but for us, the family and friends of Kim, Kayleigh and Kimberley, our life sentence started on the 18th of September last year when three beautiful innocent people were torn from our lives.Our lives are never going to be the same again but we ask to be left in peace to come to terms with our losses.

We would also like thank the Police, CPS, Fire Service and everyone who helped bring this case to court and convict Carl Mills.

– Family statement from Kim Buckley's son Shaun Harris

Detective Superintendent Peter Jones, who led the investigation into the murders, thanked the wider Coed Eva community for their support.

I would like to thank the family of Kim, Kayleigh and Kimberley for the patience and dignity they have shown throughout the investigation and subsequent court case at what has been a devastating time for them. Our thoughts remain with them and our specialist officers continue to offer support.

I would also like to thank the wider community of Coed Eva who have supported both the family and the police investigation throughout, I have no doubt the impact of this tragedy will continue to be felt widely amongst all of those living in the area.

The investigation team worked tirelessly to bring all of the incriminating evidence to court and today we have seen Carl Mills brought to justice for the horrific crimes he committed.

Carl Mills, 28, has been found guilty of three counts of murder Credit: Wales News Service

Carl Mills, 28, has been found guilty of killing three generations of one family in a fire in Cwmbran. Kim Buckley, 46, her 17-year-old daughter Kayleigh, and six-month-old granddaughter Kimberley, all died in the blaze last September.

Mills was Kayleigh's boyfriend and the father of baby Kimberley.

Kim Buckley, her granddaughter Kimberley and daughter Kayleigh, all died in the blaze Credit: Gwent Police/family photo